Safety Manager, Hospital and Clinic Safety Program

UTHealth Houston is a renowned healthcare institution dedicated to healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and exemplary patient care in Texas. The institution takes great pride in fostering an environment where excellence thrives and professionals are empowered to make meaningful contributions to the field of healthcare. UTHealth Houston is committed to rewarding its team with comprehensive benefits and supportive work-life resources, recognizing that their success directly impacts the quality of care delivered to patients and the advancement of healthcare research and education across the state and beyond.

The Environmental Health and Safety department at UTHealth Houston plays a crucial role in maintaining a secure and compliant environment across multiple centers, including the Harris County Psychiatric Center (HCPC), the Dunn Behavioral Center, and Clinical Programs operated by UTPhysicians. The position in question is a leadership role that demands hands-on presence at the Dunn Behavioral Center, ensuring that all safety protocols and regulatory requirements are met and continuously enhanced. Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President of Environmental Health and Safety and key leadership at HCPC and Dunn, the role is designated as "essential," which means the incumbent is required to be present on-site even during emergencies or restricted access conditions, highlighting the critical nature of this position.

As the Safety Officer for both HCPC and Dunn, the position oversees a team consisting of a Safety Coordinator, Safety Specialists, and a School of Public Health intern, orchestrating efforts to comply with a wide range of environmental, health, and safety regulations governed by federal, state, and local authorities. These include regulations from the Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Texas Department of Insurance State Fire Marshal's Office, National Fire Protection Association, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The role demands the development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive plans and policies related to Physical Environment and Emergency Management in alignment with Joint Commission hospital accreditation standards. Key responsibilities include coordinating safety inspections, hazard surveillance, risk assessments, fire and emergency drills, and managing medical equipment documentation along with recall processes. The role also involves representing HCPC and Dunn at community emergency management meetings and liaising with regulatory bodies during audits and inspections.

Further, the leader is responsible for providing technical guidance and innovative solutions to mitigate potential hazards, managing emergency response efforts, developing performance improvement indicators, maintaining records for compliance, and conducting investigations on property loss and occupational injuries. The role extends to directing continuous improvement initiatives and communicating performance metrics and improvement plans to leadership through detailed reports and presentations.

Training and education form an integral part of this position, as the Safety Officer is tasked with delivering Joint Commission and safety program training to new employees, residents, and physicians, ensuring ongoing staff competency and compliance. Collaboration with Facilities Planning and Engineering ensures that building information and safety infrastructure adhere to regulatory requirements and best practices.

The successful candidate will hold at least a Bachelor’s degree, with a preference for a Master’s degree, and possess a minimum of five years of related safety experience, preferably within a healthcare setting. Although certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) are preferred, they are not mandatory. The role requires physical capability to occasionally exert up to 50 pounds of force and a commitment to reside and work permanently in the State of Texas due to the on-site nature of the position.

UTHealth Houston places immense value on its workforce’s well-being, offering a total rewards package that includes 100% paid medical premiums for full-time employees, generous time off including holidays, vacation and sick leave, longevity pay, and a robust retirement plan. Additional benefits such as free financial and legal counseling, mental health services, gym membership discounts, wellness programs, and various employee discounts further underscore the institution’s commitment to a supportive and rewarding work environment. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to make a substantial impact on healthcare safety standards while growing professionally within a world-class academic medical center.